There has been a flurry of dismissals of Kenyan media personalities who have been serving in top government positions since President William Ruto came into power in 2022.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
These trained professionals have found themselves out in the cold, facing the harsh reality of job loss due to political shifts, budget cuts, or organizational reshuffling.
The year 2024 has brought noticeable changes in how the government handles its media relations. Some of these moves have faced criticism, while others are seen as a natural adjustment to improve communication.
In this article, we shall take a look at some of these professionals who served under Ruto’s helm and have since been shown the door.
1. Walter Onchonga Mong’are (Nyambane)
Walter Onchonga Mong’are, popularly known as Nyambane was among the affected after he was fired from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The veteran comedian was working under the ministry as director of programs (advocacy and outreach).
“This is to inform you that Walter Onchonga Mongáre, Director of Programs (Advocacy & Outreach) is no longer authorized to act in any capacity on behalf of the State Department or myself,” read his dismissal letter announced by Foreign Affairs PS Dr Korir Sing’oei.
Nyamabane has served under two governments; President Uhuru’s and President Ruto’s. In the past regime, he was the Director and Youth Advisor. He served Uhuru from 2017 to February 2022 when he resigned to seek the Presidency seat.
Shouts for Nyambane the Fifth came to a halt after the IEBC revoked his candidacy after receiving intel regarding his academic qualifications.
Nyambane has previously worked as the Group Head of Radio Services at KBC as well as other senior positions in the media industry. He rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of the Red Kona comedy group (Reddykyulas).
2. Salim Swaleh
Salim Swaleh was shown the door from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in June 2024. He served as the Director of Press Services.
He lost his job after being accused of fraud, along with four others. Allegedly, they convinced people from Dubai and South Africa to pay a registration fee for a supposed tender to build stadiums in Kenya for the AFCON 2027 games.
The agency he and his compatriots are accused of defrauding is Nexor-Emea Engineering Company, for a total sum of around Sh. 5.8 million.
Swaleh has recently made headlines after a clip of him sending tearful apologies to his former boss Musalia Mudavadi went viral. He claimed that his life had taken a turn for the worse since hitting the streets.
3. Martha Miano
Martha Miano was the Deputy Director of Communications at DP Rigathi Gachagua’s office. She was dismissed from her job on August 21st, 2024.
Martha says that she learnt of her termination from her plum job through social media where a photo of her Termination of Contract letter was doing rounds.
Following the events, Miano penned a letter to the President and his Deputy thanking them for serving under their leadership.
“It is unfortunate that my termination letter had to pass through social media to get to me. As of now, I have not seen or received the letter. But it’s okay. I think that’s how life is,” she wrote.
“I walk head high without shame or regrets. My heart is full and my conscience is clear. To my former boss under the Presidency of President William Ruto, thank you very much,” Miano added.
4. Kathleen Openda
Kathleen Openda Mvati was previously a KTN journalist who also had communications consulting experience for more than 20 years.
She was fired from the Council of Kenya Institute of Mass Communication in September 2023. She was the chairperson.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Ms. Openda to a top government position. Before this, she served as the director of communications and media at the secretariat for Raila Odinga’s 2017 election campaigns.
President William Ruto replaced her with former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino, an officer who unsuccessfully made a stab at politics in 2022.
5. Samuel Maina
He served as the Acting Managing Director at KBC before being dismissed in December 2023.
Maina was reportedly let go after the government was compelled to pay Sh. 641 billion ($5 billion) in the London Court of International Arbitration for the Channel Group 2 Corporation vs. KBC case, a decision he made without proper consultation.
He faced further scrutiny when the Auditor General’s report questioned a Sh. 7 billion loans were borrowed by KBC to buy equipment in 1989. His dismissal was a suspension, pending disciplinary action from the board…CONTINUE READING>>
